Tag: Estate Management in Pretoria

How Do You Select One of the Best Property management Companies in Pretoria?

When you hire a property management company to serve as the liaison between yourself and your tenants, you want to be sure you’re getting the best possible property management services for the money. The services in Pretoria provides can range from ala carte to an all-in-one inclusive package. Along with that comes an array of fees for each. There is no set in stone fee structure we can provide you. But we can educate you on what common fees to expect and what each is commonly for. In the end it will be up to you to compare company fee structures and choose the best one that fits within your budget. Below are some of the most common fees and what service they provide.

Commission

This is an ongoing monthly fee charged to the owner to Pretoria and the responsibilities of overseeing the management of their property. This fee can vary from as little as 3% to over 15% of the monthly gross rent. In place of a percentage some managers may charge a flat monthly amount which again can vary from $50 to over $200 per month. All property management companies generally charge this fee.

Lease-Up or Setup Fee

This fee is charged to the owner to compensate the property manager for their initial time invested and resources used in setting up an owners account; showing property and/or other activities resulting in tenant placement. I guess you could look at it as a “finders fee” for placing a tenant in your property. Once a tenant has been placed and first rent income comes in, the property manager will deduct this fee from the rent proceeds. Property management companies have been known to require this fee upfront prior to tenant procurement. Usually this fee is non-refundable once the property manager has started the process of tenant procurement or any legwork has been initiated with the property. This fee can vary from none to as much as the first months rent, and usually is a one-time fee per tenant.

Interesting Facts About Property Managing Agencies in Pretoria :

When you hire a property management company to serve as the liaison between yourself and your tenants, you want to be sure you're getting the best possible property management services for the money. The services a property management company provides can range from ala carte to an all-in-one inclusive package. Along with that comes an array of fees for each. There is no set in stone fee structure we can provide you. But we can educate you on what common fees to expect and what each is commonly for. In the end it will be up to you to compare company fee structures and choose the best one that fits within your budget. Below are some of the most common fees and what service they provide.

Commission

This is an ongoing monthly fee charged to the owner to compensate the property manager for the responsibilities of overseeing the management of their property. This fee can vary from as little as 3% to over 15% of the monthly gross rent. In place of a percentage some managers may charge a flat monthly amount which again can vary from $50 to over $200 per month. All property management companies generally charge this fee.

Lease-Up or Setup Fee

This fee is charged to the owner to compensate the property manager for their initial time invested and resources used in setting up an owners account; showing property and/or other activities resulting in tenant placement. I guess you could look at it as a "finders fee" for placing a tenant in your property. Once a tenant has been placed and first rent income comes in, the property manager will deduct this fee from the rent proceeds. Some property managers have been known to require this fee upfront prior to tenant procurement. Usually this fee is non-refundable once the property manager has started the process of tenant procurement or any legwork has been initiated with the property. This fee can vary from none to as much as the first months rent, and usually is a one-time fee per tenant.

"You've Got To Be Kidding Me" Fees - These are ones I have personally had the pleasure of running into.

Your property is vacant, but we still will charge our monthly commission or a small flat fee.

"A For-Rent Yard Sign Fee". I believe this was $25/mo.

"Preventive Maintenance Fee". This was to cover the "just in case" and changing out A/C filters. If "just in case" never happens they still pocket the money. I believe this was $20/mo and I still was charged for filters.

In Summary

Read your Manager/Owner contract, understand what you are signing, ask lots of questions and know what the fees will buy you in services. A good real estate lawyer can help in negotiating the terms in a contract that suit both parties. These contracts are not set in stone. If your property manager will not negotiate, there are other property management companies that are eager to earn your business.

Facts about Property Management

As a property manager, there are many positives and negatives with this job. As with any job you make it what you want. There are days that are longer and more difficult then others.There are many regulations you need to know and must be a relator. If you want to start this business you need to know exactly what it entails.You will need to be licensed by the sales tax agency if they charge sales tax on the monthly rent. You need to have one for each town you are doing business in. It is extremely helpful that you are well versed in repairing things or have a good list of contractors available for repairs. Your life will be so much easier if you can determine what repair needs your immediate attention, what can wait until the next business day. You need to be a people person, since you do meet people from all walks of life.

8. Tracking expenditures for repairs. Getting authorization from the owner as needed.

9. Establishing advertisements daily, with at least seven free website for any vacancies.

10. Show available properties, screen potential tenants, while maintaining the laws against discrimination.

The job can be a 24/7 day business. You set the hours. It is hard to predict when a client may need a repair. Keep in mind that the owner has the right to cancel the property management agreement. This has not happened to me I still have the same customers for the last seven years and continue to grow.

Why you ask, I believe it is that I handle this like a business while maintaining contact with the owners on an as needed basis.

What Can You Expect From a Property Manager?

Property management means exactly what it is; control, or management of a certain property on behalf of an owner. This industry has expanded in the last years bringing about the need of more project managers. If you are looking into working as a property manager, there are certain skills and attributes that you should take into consideration. Remember that as someone who manages properties, you will be given the sole responsibility of entrustment that is why if you are serious in joining this industry; you should have the following traits.

1. Knowledgeable with the governing laws. A good manager is one who understands and is knowledgeable about the many laws and ordinances of a specific area. This is important so as to avoid any conflict with regards to the management of real estate and other properties. Certain laws may vary from cities, which is why understanding them and knowing how they work will best work to your advantage. It is always good to be in the know.

5. Willing to grow. You should not only limit yourself to a particular field. Bear in mind that the industry of property management will only grow in the next couple of years due to the fact that more and more people are expanding their properties. As a good property manager, you should be able to ride the tide of property management and consider your professional growth. This will not only be beneficial in terms of your career, but will also reflect in the kind of service you deliver.

When considering working in the property management, it is always best to review your skills and qualifications in order for you to assess your personal capabilities. Bear in mind the above characteristics, in order to be a great property manager.